1. The Particulate Nature of Matter Flashcards
Describe the attractive forces in solids
Strong forces of attraction between particles, particles are packed very closely together in a fixed and regular pattern
Describe the attractive forces in liquids
Weaker attractive forces in liquids than in solids, particles are close together in an irregular, unfixed pattern
Describe the attractive forces in gases
No intermolecular forces, particles are in random movement and so there is no defined pattern
Describe the movement in solids
Atoms vibrate in position but can’t change position or move
Describe the movement in liquids
Particles can move and slide past each other which is why liquids adopt the shape of the container they’re in and also why they are able to flow
Describe the movement in gases
Particles are far apart and move quickly (around 500 m/s) in all directions, they collide with each other and with the sides of the container (this is how pressure is created inside a can of gas)
Describe the fixed volume and density in solids
solids have a fixed volume, shape and high density
Describe the fixed volume and density in liquids
Liquids have a fixed volume but not a fixed shape and have a moderate to high density
Describe the fixed volume and density in gases
No fixed volume, since there is a lot of space between the particles, gases can be compressed into a much smaller volume. Gases have low density
What change occurs during melting?
Melting is when a solid changes into a liquid
What does melting require?
Requires heat energy which transforms into kinetic energy, allowing the particles to move
When does melting occur?
Occurs at a specific temperature known as the melting point (m.p.) which is unique to each pure solid
What change occurs during boiling?
Boiling is when a liquid changes into a gas
What does boiling require?
Requires heat which causes bubbles of gas to form below the surface of a liquid, allowing for liquid particles to escape from the surface and within the liquid
When does boiling occur?
Occurs at a specific temperature known as the boiling point (b.p.) which is unique to each pure liquid
What change occurs during freezing?
Freezing is when a liquid changes into a solid
When does freezing occur?
This is the reverse of melting and occurs at exactly the same temperature as melting, hence the melting point and freezing point of a pure substance are the same. Water for example freezes and melts at 0ºC
What does freezing require?
Requires a significant decrease in temperature (or loss of thermal energy) and occurs at a specific temperature which is unique for each pure substance
What change occurs during evaporation?
When a liquid changes into a gas.